Atchison brings together several historical perspectives: an aircraft at the heart of an exhibition, museums in historic buildings, architecture, and guided and self-guided explorations of the city. Each offers a different focus and can help you plan your trip around your interests.
Museums with Different Areas of Focus
The Amelia Earhart Hangar Museum puts Muriel at the center: the Lockheed Electra 10-E is the last surviving aircraft of its type in the world. The museum also features 14 interactive, immersive STEM exhibits about Earhart’s life. The aircraft and Earhart’s biography are both in focus.
The Atchison County Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1880 Santa Fe Freight Depot. It explores the history of Lewis and Clark in Atchison, as well as Amelia Earhart, Jesse Stone, David Rice Atchison and the railroad history of Atchison County. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum offers a different perspective on Earhart’s life story: there, you can explore the house dating from around the turn of the 20th century where she grew up. If you’re interested in Earhart, you can learn about both her life and her childhood home; the County Museum adds other historical topics to the mix.
Explore the Architecture on Your Own or with a Guide
More than 47 buildings in Atchison are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Free maps for self-guided historic walking tours cover Victorian homes, commercial architecture and notable landmarks. A guided alternative is available: book a 90-minute tour through historic neighborhoods on a vintage-style trolley. The maps offer a self-guided way to explore, while the trolley tour has a set duration and a guide. Check the latest maps and routes, as well as tour dates and availability, in advance.
Art in a Historic Building
The Muchnic Art Gallery is located in a three-story brick building in the Queen Anne style. Lumber dealer George Howell had the building constructed in 1885. The gallery’s program includes art classes, special events and rotating exhibitions by regional artists. This brings together a specific architectural setting and an arts program whose exhibitions and events vary. If you’re planning to visit on a particular date, check the current program.
Historic Sites and Other Perspectives
Five miles north of Atchison is the Independence Creek Lewis and Clark Historic Site. The Lewis and Clark expedition camped overnight at this site on July 4, 1804. It adds a specific connection to the expedition and its stay at this location to Atchison’s museums and buildings.
You’ll also find a range of local features beyond the museum themes: Riverfront Park has river-accessible docks and a boat ramp. The International Forest of Friendship is an arboretum next to Warnock Lake. The Amelia Earhart Earthwork has a viewing point. Each of these places offers a different focus from the historical exhibits and architecture.
Choose a Focus for Your Trip
To plan a culture-focused trip, you can first decide which perspective you’d like to explore in more depth: Earhart’s life, the history of Atchison and Atchison County, historic architecture or art. Self-guided maps and the 90-minute trolley tour offer different ways to explore the historic neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a hotel in Atchison, this focus can help you organize your visits and potential event dates in advance.
For the broader travel overview: Atchison.
